Items filtered by date: January 2022

Osteoporosis is a bone disorder that causes the bones to become thin, brittle, and weak due to a lack of calcium and vitamin D. Although it is particularly common in women over 50, younger people and men can also develop osteoporosis. Since osteoporosis weakens the bones, it makes fractures more likely. Often, the first sign of osteoporosis is a broken bone in the foot. Symptoms of this include pain, redness, and swelling around the site of the fracture, and difficulty walking. A podiatrist can diagnose a broken foot bone through physical examination and X-rays. If you suspect that you may have broken a foot bone, or if you have been previously diagnosed with osteoporosis and want to learn more about preventing foot fractures, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist today. 

A broken foot requires immediate medical attention and treatment. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Rosa Roman from Ankle and Foot Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Broken Foot Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

A broken foot is caused by one of the bones in the foot typically breaking when bended, crushed, or stretched beyond its natural capabilities. Usually the location of the fracture indicates how the break occurred, whether it was through an object, fall, or any other type of injury. 

Common Symptoms of Broken Feet:

• Bruising
• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blue in color
• Numbness
• Cold
• Misshapen
• Cuts
• Deformities

Those that suspect they have a broken foot shoot seek urgent medical attention where a medical professional could diagnose the severity.

Treatment for broken bones varies depending on the cause, severity and location. Some will require the use of splints, casts or crutches while others could even involve surgery to repair the broken bones. Personal care includes the use of ice and keeping the foot stabilized and elevated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Bloomfield, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

As one ages, it becomes harder to reach down to the toes and keep toenails trimmed properly. In some cases, just gripping the clippers is difficult, if not impossible. At the same time, toenail growth decreases with age, resulting in thicker nails that are more difficult to trim. One way to soften the thicker nails and make them easier to cut is by soaking the feet for about 10 minutes in warm water. Thoroughly dry the feet, and use a clipper to make small cuts straight across the nail to lessen the chance of an ingrown toenail. If your toenails have both hardened and become discolored, you may also have developed a fungal infection. Such a condition can worsen rapidly and become painful. For that reason, it would be wise to contact a podiatrist immediately, as fungal infections may take months to eliminate. It is also suggested that seniors make regular appointments with a podiatrist for proper foot-care treatment as needed.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact Dr. Rosa Roman from Ankle and Foot Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

The Elderly and Their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions 

• Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet and can hide many life-threatening medical conditions.
• Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.
• Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:
• Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe
• Shoes that don’t fit properly
• Pressure sores
• Loss of circulation in legs & feet
• Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Bloomfield, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Dry or cracked heels are a common foot problem. Though the condition is often cosmetic, in some cases the heels can develop deep, painful cracks. To prevent this and keep your heels smooth and supple, there are three things that you can do at home. First, periodically soak your feet in warm, soapy water for 10 minutes and gently exfoliate them with a loofah or wet pumice stone. After this, dry your feet and apply moisturizer. You should moisturize your feet regularly, up to three times per day. Apply moisturizer in a circular motion to the heels and avoid putting moisturizer between your toes. Finally, wear thin cotton socks after moisturizing your feet. If home treatment does not improve your dry, cracked heels, or if they are painful, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for treatment. 

Cracked heels are unsightly and can cause further damage to your shoes and feet. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Rosa Roman from Ankle and Foot Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

Cracked heels appear unappealing and can make it harder for you walk around in sandals. Aside from looking unpleasant, cracked heels can also tear stockings, socks, and wear out your shoes. There are several methods to help restore a cracked heel and prevent further damage.

How Do You Get Them?

Dry skin is the number one culprit in creating cracked heels. Many athletes, walkers, joggers, and even swimmers suffer from cracked heels. Age and skin oil production play a role to getting cracked heels as well.

Promote Healing

Over the counter medicines can help, especially for those that need instant relief or who suffer from chronic dry feet.

Wear Socks – Wearing socks with medicated creams helps lock in moisture.

Moisturizers – Applying both day and night will help alleviate dryness which causes cracking.

Pumice Stones – These exfoliate and remove dead skin, which allows for smoother moisturizer application and better absorption into the skin. 

Change in Diet

Eating healthy with a well-balanced diet will give the skin a fresh and radiant look. Your body responds to the kinds of food you ingest. Omega-3 fatty acids and zinc supplements can also revitalize skin tissue.

Most importantly, seek professional help if unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels. A podiatrist will help you with any questions or information needed. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Bloomfield, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Plantar fasciitis and heel spurs can often be associated conditions affecting the heel. Plantar fasciitis is a painful inflammation of the long, fibrous tissue that extends across the sole of the foot (plantar fascia) when this tissue becomes damaged or torn. Heel spurs can be a result of plantar fasciitis, where damage to the plantar fascia causes tiny calcium deposits to form on the heel bone. These deposits can build up on the inside of the heel bone and reach up to 1/2” in length. An X-ray may be necessary to diagnose heel spurs as they often do not produce symptoms. When symptoms are present, they present typically as a stabbing pain in the heel, caused by the spurs sticking into the heel’s fat pad. Podiatrists have a great deal of experience with plantar fasciitis and heel spurs and have a variety of treatments to promote healing and relieve pain. Don’t live with heel pain: have your condition diagnosed and treated by a podiatrist as soon as possible.

Many people suffer from bouts of heel pain. For more information, contact Dr. Rosa Roman of Ankle and Foot Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Causes of Heel Pain

Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.

Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.

Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

• Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
• Wearing non-supportive shoes
• Weight change           
• Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress-free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a condition of the past.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Bloomfield, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.